Elevating asparagus: innovative techniques and flavor pairings

Elevating asparagus beyond simple boiling unlocks its delicate flavor through innovative techniques. Chefs suggest pairing it with high-impact flavors, focusing on richness, fragrance, acidity, and salinity. Instead of traditional sauces, consider Kewpie mayo with pickled ginger, chives, sesame seeds, and frozen peas. Blister chopped asparagus with salsa verde, chickpeas, mint, basil, parsley, capers, and Dijon mustard for a warm side dish. Infuse asparagus with oolong tea during steaming, then top with crispy chili oil and tahini. Wrap asparagus bundles with spring onion or wild garlic, herbs, ginger, and chili, then bake in a hot oven. Fry asparagus in tempura batter made with rice flour, cornflour, and sparkling water, and serve with wild garlic mayo. For comfort food, create a carbonara-inspired pasta sauce with egg yolks, pecorino, lemon zest, and blanched asparagus. Blend cooked asparagus with lemon juice, olive oil, cream, parmesan, and nutmeg for a vibrant pasta sauce or chilled soup, garnished with raw asparagus.